Top Drawer: Old Varnish. Middle Drawer: Stripped and Oiled. Bottom Drawer: Stripped
NO MESS. NO FUSS. NO SMELL varnish remover that costs next to nothing and involves little effort!
(This will also work on some paints – you will need to test/experiment with length of time depending on paint type..)
You will need:
- Soda Ash (Washing soda) – I used Soda Ash Light
- Flour (the sort you make scones from)
- Water
- A paint brush
- Steel wool or a scrubbing brush or a Scotch Bright (I just used an old kitchen scotch bright that was past it’s use in the kitchen)
- Some old rags/cloths
- More water
Old dark varnish
Soda Ash/Flour paste applied
In a container put your Soda Ash and just enough water to dissolve it. Stir well until Soda Ash is dissolved.
Add flour while stirring, add enough to turn your mixture into a cream paste (not too thick).
Brush paste onto furniture with a paint brush.
Leave 30 mins at least – this can be left longer if need be – however do not let the paste dry out too much as it becomes hard to get off – if need be spritz it occasionally with cold water.
Wipe off using your scrubbing brush/scourer
Drawer stripped and rinsed
Rinse well with clean water and a cloth to remove residue.
To finish off rub in Danish Oil using 0000 grade steel wool and wipe down with a soft cloth.
Admire your hard work.
Finished oiled drawer
